The role of single copper atoms in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride for selective oxidation
Issued Date
2025-05-15
Resource Type
eISSN
20521537
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105008076954
Journal Title
Materials Chemistry Frontiers
Volume
9
Issue
12
Start Page
1917
End Page
1932
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Materials Chemistry Frontiers Vol.9 No.12 (2025) , 1917-1932
Suggested Citation
Sudrajat H., Phanthuwongpakdee J., Colmenares J.C. The role of single copper atoms in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride for selective oxidation. Materials Chemistry Frontiers Vol.9 No.12 (2025) , 1917-1932. 1932. doi:10.1039/d5qm00296f Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110825
Title
The role of single copper atoms in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride for selective oxidation
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Photocatalytic reactions are driven by excited charge carriers; therefore, their performance inherently depends on photocarrier behavior. In this study, we examine the relationship between photocarrier behavior and the photocatalytic activity of g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> loaded with single Cu atoms for the selective oxidation in water. As probed with transient microwave conductivity, the introduction of single Cu atoms enhances photoconductivity by increasing the mobility and extending the lifetimes of photoexcited electrons. This enhancement results in a greater population of mobile electrons. While pristine g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> exhibits no measurable photoconductivity, it is still capable of driving photocatalytic reactions. This suggests that in g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>, photoexcited electrons are predominantly trapped rather than recombined, yet they are sufficiently reactive. The product of photoconductivity and electron lifetime shows a linear correlation with photocatalytic activity, demonstrating its potential as a promising descriptor for catalyst design. In terms of performance, our photocatalysts achieve a yield-to-power ratio of up to 1.1 mmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup> W<sup>−1</sup> for benzaldehyde production from benzyl alcohol under 455 nm irradiation with 100% selectivity and aromatic balance and an apparent quantum yield of 0.82%. The reaction proceeds under ambient conditions without the need for additives or external oxidants. Equally important, H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf> is also produced at a rate as high as 0.26 mmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup>